Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
177. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of a recent case where residents of an apartment complex have been made homeless following a fire (details supplied); if his Department is considering additional protections for tenants made homeless due to accidental damage to their rented accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48290/26]
View answer195. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is considering introducing additional support for local authorities to assist tenants who are made homeless through fire damage to their rented accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48291/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 195 together.
The Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 to 2026 (the RTA) regulate the landlord-tenant relationship in the private residential rented sector, and set out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The RTA limits the grounds for tenancy termination and provides procedures for lawful tenancy terminations.
The RTA strictly limits the termination of a tenancy on the ground of substantial refurbishment or renovation to works that are certified for health and safety reasons to require at least 3 weeks of vacant possession to complete. In the case of a tenancy termination on this ground, the landlord must offer to re-let the dwelling to the tenant upon completion of the works.
The role of the Department is to ensure that a framework of policy, legislation and funding is provided to ensure that housing authorities are in a position to address homelessness at a local level.
Tenants who are made homeless by the fire and do not have alternative accommodation may seek assistance from Fingal County Council. The Council will assess housing need and, where appropriate, provide emergency or temporary accommodation and access to housing supports.
It is the responsibility of local authorities, and in this case Fingal County Council, to assess individual needs and deliver supports on the ground, including housing needs assessments, the provision of emergency accommodation, and any homelessness supports required for residents affected. The local authority will work with other agencies such as Dublin Fire Brigade, the Department of Social Protection, HSE, and Approved Housing Bodies, where appropriate, to ensure supports are put in place.
The RTB has provided an information sheet on its dispute resolution service to Fingal County Council to assist affected parties and its website – www.rtb.ie – provides its contact details and information on tenancy rights. My Department and the RTB keep the operation of the RTA under constant review and make any necessary and justifiable changes in a timely manner.
The Department will continue to support Fingal County Council with the funding necessary to ensure the residents of the apartment complex are supported in accessing housing assistance, where appropriate, in the weeks ahead.
